Comments on Comicology: Celebrity Comics – Ultimate Shower of Love – II

Very nice article!

2009-08-26T00:48:29.646+05:30

Very nice article!

Hi Suresh, Good to know people like you who have ...

2009-05-08T16:06:00.000+05:30

Hi Suresh,

Good to know people like you who have their heart in comics are backing our stuff, that's a big jolt of adrenalin for us. I too am a big fan of European comics especially their adult erotica stuff like Serpieri, Azpiri, and high fantasy sci-fi from Enki Bilal,Moebius and all the humanoids stuff. I know that there is a good chunk of audience for that sort of storytelling but unfortunately i is still quite limited for the time being. Most of the people still associate only Tintin and Asterix with european comics....the rest is all DC, Marvel stuff.

I cannot agree with one point though that DC and Marvel comes up with crap. Some of the best writers and Artists are working in those huge institutions and churning out some of the best products every month. Actually since the European market is more Auteur influenced where all the work is done by a single person rather that a group effort all the content over there has got a strong sense of individuality which is good and then again bad on so many parts, because the creator over there is regarded higher than the creation...he is the god, and the fans as to abide by him. After the death of Herge there are no more Tintin stories whereas we still want to know so much more about the character and want to see him in the present socio political scenario (since Tintin is so strongly influenced by the time and tides of that era)But everyday we can see a new rendition or story of Batman, Superman, Hulk or X-Men. Most definitely are crap but out of that gems like Dark Knight Returns, Killing Joke, All Star Superman, Ultimates etc come every now and then and that makes the mythologies all so more interesting. Action and adventure are the two foundation beams of comics and we can never ignore them a good story is always revolved and spun around these two components, be it any comics you see Amreican, European, Japanese or Indian. It is a vast canvas and we can paint whatever we like on that. Here we have to run a business as well as tell a good story and hence we have to cater to the youth who is always dazzled by flash rather than content. But...once these get success we will definitely be reaching for other genres as well and churn up stories for adult minds. Keep commenting...

Regards,

Shamik

Suresh: You plucked the words out of my mouth, my ...

2009-04-13T12:58:00.000+05:30

Suresh: You plucked the words out of my mouth, my friend.. I would more than willing to see new players taking up the Franco-Belgian and other genres, rather than the much treaded path of DC/Marvel/Dark Horse stuff. The American Genre's character boots and re-boots, and the sequels running years and years, have made their line-up of famed characters, less sought after these days.

But, there is one problem with moving towards the Franco-Belgian, Itlalian or European Comic sect altogether. That's the huge royalty demanded by the publishers, which is controlled by some biggest distributors like Darguad, etc.

So, a new upcoming publisher shouldn't take a risk of licensing these products. So, I welcome the Arkin's concept of basing stories from our roots, and also packaging it with the best artwork available in India. Hopefully our dreams of seeing the indian graphic novel biz will be boosted by these new players who have joined.

I have high hopes over Rohan and Shamik, and hopeful that they would bring the change.

Shamik: Welcome to Comicology friend, and thanks f...

2009-04-13T12:52:00.000+05:30

Shamik: Welcome to Comicology friend, and thanks for accepting my Invitation. It's good to see a Creator coming into take part in the discussions over Indian Comics and Comics in general. Something, which I advocated to Virgin during their famed run, but they never got down in doing the small things, which would have taken them to high levels.

I must admit that whatever you shared as the reasons for the failure of Gotham business model, is all true, as I have heard them all over from my friends at Gotham Bangalore Office. It's a sad story, but something which they brought onto themself.

I still remember visiting the Bangalore Studios of Virgin, which was set up. And was also curious to meet the Jeevan Kang, who was heading the division then. Should I even say that I was proud that a Studio which delivers content worldwide was located right at our doorsteps in India.

But, the fun ends their, as they went about doing some commercializing stuffs, which clearly eroded the interest and euphoria which the comic fans had over them. Alienating from them, meant the state LIQUID.

I hope all your dreams and ours come true with your IRITH project. I am certainly looking forward for it. Especially, when Raj Comics is also gearing up to line their 26/11 based project on close lines. I hope even if you manage to maintain a good balance of not treading much towards religion or locale biased, then we would satisfy the majority of the comics loving crowd. You can take it granted on behalf of all Comicologists.

Looking forward for your comics to hit the stands. And all the Best for the same.

Hi, Good to see a insider view on why Virgin did n...

2009-04-13T11:27:00.000+05:30

Hi,

Good to see a insider view on why Virgin did not click in India.

A big welcome to the new "IRITH" comics as a die hard fan of comics I would like to say few things on what my friends like in comics and what they dont assuming this may help in your new production.

1. DC MARVEL type are not liked by many as they dont have a good story except occasionally. The typical story a very Bad strong villain and a strong super powere hero and lot of violence makes the books too predictable and reading interest fades away by time.

2. Target Audiance - Who do you target most of my circle and people come here to blog are Adults who like a good story with good art. Example books which are BIG hit among our circle are
Action
1. Bluberry,
2.XIII
3.Largo Winch
Comedy
4.Lucky Luke
5. Iznougoud
6. Chick Bill.

The common factor in all the boos above are Good Story and excellent art and less violence.

3. People read books to enjoy and Laugh not to see greatly drawn action scenes with little story.

I know this may be a unwanted suggestion for you even before you start your venture however I thought it is always better to let you what we are expecting from new ventures and we will always support a good comics.

Do let us know when this will be published and possible some title pages.

eagerly waiting to see the books on stand.

Suresh

Hi Rafiq, this is Shamik presently occupied in wri...

2009-04-12T01:46:00.000+05:30

Hi Rafiq, this is Shamik presently occupied in writing Irith. Good to know you are looking forward to read our comics as well as your friends in this site. With Irith I am trying to move away from my much trodden territory of reinventing Mythologies to something which is more contemporary, cool and pertinent.

In my long years of attachment with Virgin I came to know of something that I will keep with me for as long as I live. Too many cooks does spoil the broth. When Virgin started up with their own India based mythological reinventions it was widely accepted both critically and commercially in US. We definitely do not even imagine to hold a candle before the giants like DC and Marvel but our off beat stories and characters were garnering some interest. Unfortunately then came in the slew of directors and singers and actors with their own characters and stories...and comic book readers being the cynical lot they are, never took this kindly, they thought of the company to be a complete sellout and lost faith. On the other hand Virgin could not meet their huge overhead expenditures in the face of the diminished sales and had to struggle to make both ends meet. According to me the biggest mistake Virgin did was to hire people indiscriminately, paying them really high, investing massive amounts on infrastructure, producing too many titles at once without even thinking whether they will be accepted in the market or not. The result was Himalayan expenditure with little revenue, and after the books failed in the market Virgin pulled the plug on the finances. With the financial backing and the talent roster the studio had, Virgin could have easily been the next big thing in Asia, but it fell really hard and alongside all our dreams including mine (I was one of the founding members of Virgin studios) were shattered like brittle glass. If they had just been a little more reserved in their production and marketting and tried to create a certain niche audience rather than trying to grab the Hollywood and Bollywood folks the story would have been very different. Dark Horse, IDW, and Image Comics had done that and they had succeeded, while there are several other companies like BOOM Studios, Dynamite Comics, Avatar Comics who are producing selected number of titles but still they are surviving in the market on their own. I have very fond memories in Virgin and I have built my career with them only. But woe befell us and now we are 'Liquified'. The reason behind Virgin's lack of action to create a potential market in India and south Asia is still a mystery to me.

Hence leaving the old battleground behind I am now trying to begin a new journey and a brand new Innings with Arkin Comics. I have found a very good friend and co-conspirator in Rohan Kapadia who has given me a great opportunity to do something for our own readership (however limited it might be). We are hopeful because India is a rapidly growing Nation with a high percentage of literacy. In a country of 100 crores if comics can find an audience in even 1% of the whole population we are talking some major figures here. Since Mythology is done to the bones over here with a swarm of third grade animations and TV serials and comics coming out every year, we are trying to think of new innovative ways to form a new pattern of thinking. Hence Custom Comics and Irith came to us as a fresh breath of air in form of ideas. Now all we have is to wait and watch what the readers have to say about this. Our only earnest request to you is to spread the word among all the people who are even remotely interested in comics, storytelling and new age fantasy. Please support our cause so that Arkin can fill up the major void that Virgin left after they went away from their beloved readers and creators.

Welcome to Comicology, KK.... And Thanks for recor...

2009-04-11T03:21:00.000+05:30

Welcome to Comicology, KK.... And Thanks for recording your first comment in here.

It's indeed hilarious stuff all along, no one can deny that :)

OMG, this is entertaining, hilarious crap! LMAO! :...

2009-04-10T23:19:00.000+05:30

OMG, this is entertaining, hilarious crap! LMAO! :-) Thanks for the loving write ups!

@ Liju: Welcome back my friend. Parody is a OK con...

2009-04-07T13:05:00.000+05:30

@ Liju: Welcome back my friend. Parody is a OK concept, something which the MAD magazine did with all the more success. But, idol worship and that too in Comics format, is a clear failed attempt. Unless the character deserves it with a legendary profile, something like what Bruce Lee Comics did. No wonders, if you try to base your comic characters on commercial celebrities you would have to see them go in the gutter, like all the projects listed above.

Good you picked up the comparison between Tarzan and Krrish.... well those legendary characters have given a worldwide craze that any new superhero is bound to have some glimpses of the brilliance of these living comic characters. I personally liked the way, the Krrish movie was screenplayed, even though they were mostly kiddish. Something the others should learn to do, rather than dirtying their hands with a flop like Drona.

Regarding Arkin Comics, the chief patron Rohan has already confirmed that it will be available on stands in India too. Something the Virgin brand clearly failed to do and saw them close shops untimely. I can't think of someone even deciding to sell in US, and UK, without reaching India, upon which the mytho or modern stories were built on.

Hey liju, If your latest post for for me,We are ma...

2009-04-07T13:01:00.000+05:30

Hey liju, If your latest post for for me,

We are made by India for India.

IRITH Issue 1 costs Rs 15 only

@ Rohan: Thanks for posting your first comment in ...

2009-04-07T12:55:00.000+05:30

@ Rohan: Thanks for posting your first comment in Comicology. So good to hear from a man who has inspired a new publishing house to revive the comics industry in India. I am all the more confident that you guys will bring a sea-side change and hopefully improve the general perception towards comics in India.

Looking forward to see your comics hit the stands, which I believe was scheduled for April. By the way, thanks for pointing out that, you have indeed been reading Comicology. Needless, to say it means a lot, for the efforts put forth on the same. Hopefully, I will get to hear a your comments from a creators point of view in the future posts at Comicology, where we will continue analyzing the best on the Comics racks available in India.

@rohit i hope ur books will avilable in india .. ...

2009-04-06T20:49:00.000+05:30

@rohit
i hope ur books will avilable in india .. oterwise wats the point in releasing in the west only where its already flooded wit tons of differnt genres of comics

Beautiful posts Rafiq, i haven been reading your b...

2009-04-06T20:04:00.000+05:30

Beautiful posts Rafiq, i haven been reading your blog since a long time and it is indeed enlightening. Well, thank you for the kind words about Arkin Comics, i am glad that people see potential in us. We are coming out with our debut title IRITH (pronounced as E-Rith) very soon and are trying to do our bit in reviving the comic book industry. IRITH is a script written by Shamik Dasgupta, after we spent a long time researching the market and creating something different. As we believe in being original, the story is not a rip-off of any comic book from the west. People may try to link it with other team of superheroes etc but the concept is genuine. I am sure that IRITH will live up to every bodies expectations.

this was a superb read , rafiq , i guess y the ind...

2009-04-06T17:24:00.000+05:30

this was a superb read , rafiq , i guess y the indian comics and filmindustry has failed to create the their own superhero was simply because they jus tried to copy the western counterparts , even krish is a ripoff albeit well made, i couldnt even help feeling th krsih story line was along the lines of tarzan, unpolished young man living in a remote area ,coming to big city because of a girl lol ,you all know the rest

@ Limat: I did send the mail already, which I forw...

2009-04-05T01:53:00.000+05:30

@ Limat: I did send the mail already, which I forwarded again. Hope you have received.

@ Shankar: அந்த காலத்தில் காஸ்ட்யூம் என்று உடை தைத்ததே பெரிய விஷயமில்லையா... சூப்பர்மேன் ஒரிஜினல் படத்திற்கு இதுதான் முன்னோடி ஆயிற்றே :)

Thanks to all Comicologists for making this thread as the most commented so far at Comicology. To celebrate the same the next post will be in the lines of April Fools Day. Happy Reading !!

ரஃபிக்,அடடா, 1960ம் ஆண்டு இந்திய சூப்பர் மேனின் கெ...

2009-04-04T13:26:00.000+05:30

ரஃபிக்,

அடடா, 1960ம் ஆண்டு இந்திய சூப்பர் மேனின் கெட் அப் தூள். குறிப்பாக அவரின் முகத்தின் குளோஸ் அப் பிரமாதம். அவரின் முகத்தைப் பார்க்கும் வில்லன் காலில் தலை பட ஓடுவது நிச்சயம்.

உற்சாகத்துடன் தொடருங்கள்.

Thanks Rafiq Raja for Comment. Sorry for misspelle...

2009-04-04T12:12:00.000+05:30

Thanks Rafiq Raja for Comment. Sorry for misspelled your name. then i removed word verification from my comment section.Still I have not received mail from you. Id - browseallblog@gmail.com

Toonfactory/Alok: Thanks fo your warm comment. I i...

2009-04-04T03:12:00.000+05:30

Toonfactory/Alok: Thanks fo your warm comment. I indeed remembe reading your post sometime back, when the Batman movie had released. It was a nice one, and I can't deny that some of it might have played in my minds, while I was drafting this post :). The fact that we both have almost ended with the same Govinda Movie video on our respective posts.

On other movie stars having comics - Well not many of them are famous, and moreover they weren't superheroes, the concept which we took to discuss over here in this comics special thead of Comicology. Did hear the news on Akshay launching a series, I don't want to comment for obvious reasons :)

By the way to all others, I have now updated the post, with the reference to the first-ever Superman movie, which came out in India... yeap much before than the original version which was released laterrrrrrr... :) Enjoy Reading !!!

சாத்தான்: உங்கள் கருத்தை நானும் ஆமோதிக்கிறேன். காச...

2009-04-04T02:59:00.000+05:30

சாத்தான்: உங்கள் கருத்தை நானும் ஆமோதிக்கிறேன். காசு பார்க்க நினைக்கும் மக்களுக்கு எவ்வகை ஊடகமும் தொழில் தானே, அவர்களிடம் வேறு என்ன எதிர்பார்க்க முடியும்.

காமிக்கியலில் உங்கள் முதல் வருகைக்கும், பிண்ணூட்டத்திற்கும் மிக்க நன்றி. இனி உங்கள் நேரத்திற்கு ஏற்ப வர போகும் புதிய பதிவுகளிள் உங்கள் கருத்தை பதிவீர்கள் என்று நம்புகிறேன்.

Limat: Sent a mail from my gmail id to yours liste...

2009-04-04T02:53:00.000+05:30

Limat: Sent a mail from my gmail id to yours listed in this blog. By the way, it took me a long time to understand the reason for your nickname... which I realized after reading a name Transparent plate in Landmark book section, from the backwards, which carried the words TAMIL :)

Maybe others realized it first-up, but as always, Forgive me and my "Tube-Light" Mind :)

As an end note, my name is actually RAFIQ RAJA... not the one ending with G. Couldn't stop myself from seeing my name getting mis-spelt :)

Arun: Thanks for the tip-off, but I have already picked the Lucky Luke 15 issue up from the stores. It's actually part of 2009 batch, but seems it was released on stands late. Also, another one I missed out from my 2009 list, is that Largo Winch 3, is also available, but again in limited numbers. I will be updating the CineBook 2009 post, shortly after I get to know whether Largo Winch 2, was also part of the batch, which the Landmark staffs are yet to confirm.

A humble request to both of you, please log your comments about the post also when you add your thoughts. It will mean a lot, for me to say the least.

The daltons in blizzards is available at flipkart....

2009-04-03T17:36:00.000+05:30

The daltons in blizzards is available at flipkart.com - RS 177
http://www.flipkart.com/goscinny/

Thanks for ur comment comic raja rafig raja. what ...

2009-04-03T14:51:00.000+05:30

Thanks for ur comment comic raja rafig raja. what is ur mail id? Let me know your mail id

Hi alllucky luke adventure "The daltons in blizzar...

2009-04-03T12:03:00.000+05:30

Hi all

lucky luke adventure "The daltons in blizzards" is now available at Landmark spencer
Only very few .so grab ur copies today

also the following titles are for the rest of this year to be relaesing list

Apache canyon
The escort [ billy kid .I think it was published in our mini lion]
on the dalton's trail
The oklahoma land rush

SiruvarMalar Heros - சிறுவர்மலர் கதாநாயகர்கள்- Vis...

2009-04-01T14:02:00.000+05:30

SiruvarMalar Heros - சிறுவர்மலர் கதாநாயகர்கள்
- Visit Browse All.

நல்ல பதிவு ரஃபிக். ஸ்டார்களை காமிக்ஸ் நாயகர்களாக்க...

2009-03-31T15:16:00.000+05:30

நல்ல பதிவு ரஃபிக். ஸ்டார்களை காமிக்ஸ் நாயகர்களாக்குவது மோசமான ஐடியா மாதிரித் தோன்றுகிறது. அது காமிக்ஸ் ரசிகர்களுக்கு பதிலாக அந்த ஸ்டார்களின் ரசிகர்களை மனதில் கொண்டு உருவானது போல்தான் தெரிகிறது. பிரான்சன் வகையறாக்களுக்கு வேண்டுமானால் அதில் காசு தேறும் என்று தோன்றலாம். ஆனால் காமிக்ஸ் ரசிகர்களுக்கு அதில் என்ன இருக்கப்போகிறது?

காமிக்ஸ் குழந்தைகளுக்கானது என்ற கருத்து பரவியிருக்கும்போது ஒரு அபிஷேக் பச்சன் காமிக்ஸ் புத்தகத்தை அபிஷேக் பச்சன் ரசிகனாவது படிப்பானா?

ரசிகர்களைப் பொறுத்த வரை, உலக காமிக்ஸ் பொக்கிஷங்கள் பலதும் இந்திய மொழிகளில் இல்லை. அவர்களுக்குத் தேவையான காமிக்ஸை பிரான்சன் போன்றவர்களோ சினிமாக்காரர்களோ தரப்போவதில்லை.